These two stories from Jesus highlight the two elements of how you and I, as Christians, should think about reputation. First, we should have a good reputation built on the principles and commands of God (i.e., loving him and loving others). A good reputation is clearly desirable, as Proverbs says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold,” (Proverbs 22:1). Peter exhorts us to have a good reputation in our communities (1 Peter 2:12). Paul lists a positive reputation as a necessary qualification for Church leadership (1 Timothy 3:2-7). Jesus tells us to let our light (read: reputation) shine before others (Matthew 5:16). If we are living out the commands of God, but people do not understand that, we should respond and show how we are living out our God-given love. Love does not ignore issues but attacks them head-on.
Having said that, there will also be times when the truth no longer matters for some. In some situations, we see that people think winning the argument matters more than being in the right. There are some people who, no matter what you do, will not think well of you. Even the literal son of God was betrayed by one of his twelve closest friends! In these cases, I think the story of Jesus shows us the way forward in silence. Not every offense to our reputation needs addressing. While we should seek a good reputation, we do so that people may see the God who loves us and enables these good deeds. A reputation is a means, not an end. Because of that, we need to sometimes let go of what others are saying about us; no matter how much we protest, they do not care about the truth. Instead, we should entrust ourselves to God. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, what God thinks about us is infinitely more important than anything else in the world.1 Let God’s evaluation of our actions stand and leave out all the rest.
So, where does that leave us? As always, seeking the way forward through prayer and wisdom. Christians should approach attacks on our reputation by looking to Jesus and asking, what do the times demand? The author of Ecclesiastes understood that wise and godly living does not always, or even usually, have a single-faceted response to a problem. With our reputation, we should abide by the wisdom of Ecclesiastes and understand there is a time for everything, including “a time to be silent and a time to speak?” (Ecc 3:7b). When faced with a dilemma, pray. And remember, you are praying to someone who: 1) has faced the trouble of having his reputation attacked, 2) gives wisdom generously without finding fault, and 3) will be with you through your difficulty.
Read more Theology Thursday blogs and check out our degree programs and theology minors. Visit GCU’s College of Theology and fill out the form on this page to join our Christian learning community.
